Exercise device

ABSTRACT

An exercise device which comprises a base with a generally vertically extending member extending upwardly therefrom, the vertically extending member having a plurality of retaining positions to receive a foot retaining member, the retaining position being such that the height of the foot retaining member from the base can be varied to control the difficulty of the exercise.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an exercise device and moreparticularly, relates to a portable exercise device which may easily bestored and which can be adjusted for different degrees of difficulty.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various exercise machines have been proposed in the art. Some of suchexercise devices are geared for attempting to strengthen a specific bodypart while other exercise devices are meant to be used for overallfitness.

One of the more important attributes of an exercise device is that it berelatively compact such that it can be stored without utilizing anexcess amount of space. Another desirable attribute of an exercisedevice is portability wherein it can be moved from one location to theother easily.

Still a further desirable attribute of an exercise device is the abilityto adjust the device to provide for varying degrees of difficulty.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided anexercise device comprising a base, a generally vertically extendingmember having a plurality of retaining positions, and a foot retainingmember, the foot retaining member being designed to engage with thevertically extending member, the retaining positions are such that theheight of the foot retaining member from the base can be varied.

The exercise device may be formed of any suitable material. Thus, theexercise device could be manufactured in a metallic material although ina preferred embodiment, a plastic material will be utilized for bothweight and cost considerations.

The exercise device will preferably be formed in a modular manner andwill comprise a minimum number of components. Although it would bepossible to manufacture the exercise device in other manners, themodular concept provides for ease of assembly and shipping. In onepreferred embodiment, there would be five components—a base, thevertically extending member, the foot retaining member and a pair ofhandles.

The connection of the members together is preferably done in asimplified manner. Thus, the vertically extending member could extendupwardly from the base by fitting within a suitable recess which wouldretain the vertically extending member in a desired position. Similarly,the handles may also fit within apertures in the base and preferably doso with a choice of recesses. Also, the handles are preferably angledwith respect to the vertical.

The foot retaining member is designed to fit at a variety of differentheights to allow for adjustment in the degree of difficulty of theexercise. Although conventional mechanical means could be utilized, apreferred embodiment provides a plurality of recesses in the verticallyextending member, each of the recesses being designed to engage and holdthe foot retaining member.

The device may be utilized with a conventional exercise mat.Conveniently, the exercise mat is designed to be positioned between theU-shaped arms of the base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus generally described the invention, reference will be made tothe accompanying drawings illustrating an embodiment thereof, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exercise device according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate use of the device by a person with the devicebeing at the most difficult degree of use;

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the exercise device being used with a lesserdegree of difficulty; and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a handle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings in greater detail and by reference charactersthereto, there is illustrated in FIG. 1 an exercise device which isgenerally designated by reference numeral 10. The exercise device 10 hasa base 12 which is in a U-shaped configuration, having a head 14 and apair of arms 16, 18.

Extending upwardly from head portion 14 is a vertical member generallydesignated by reference numeral 20. Vertical member 20 has a pluralityof recesses with a bottom recess being designated by reference numeral22 and a top recess designated by reference numeral 24. There areprovided a plurality of intermediate recesses 26, intermediate bottomrecess 22 and top recess 24.

Each recess is defined by a top wall 28, a back wall 30 and a bottomwall 32.

Each of the recesses is designed to receive a foot retaining membergenerally designated by reference numeral 34. Foot retaining member 34includes a central portion 36 which is designed to fit within therecesses while on either side thereof, there is a first surface portion38 for receiving a foot of the user and a second surface 40 forreceiving the other foot of the user. A raised back wall 42 is providedabout first surface 38 and a raised back wall 44 is provided aboutsecond surface 40.

Handles generally designated by reference numeral 46 each have a largergripping portion 48 and a prong 50. Prong 50 is designed to fit withinone of the apertures 52 provided along arms 16 and 18. It will be notedthat handles 46 are slightly angled with respect to the vertical toprovide an easier gripping surface for the user.

In use, there is preferably provided a mat 54 which is foldable aboutfold line 56.

It will be understood that the above described embodiments are forpurposes of illustration only and that changes and modifications may bemade thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

I claim:
 1. An exercise device comprising: a base; a generallyvertically extending member having a plurality of retaining positions;and a foot retaining member, said foot retaining member being designedto engage with said vertically extending member, said retainingpositions are such that the height of said foot retaining member fromsaid base can be varied.
 2. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein saidvertically extending member has a plurality of recesses formed therein,each of said recesses forming a retaining position for holding andretaining said foot retaining member.
 3. The exercise device of claim 2wherein said foot retaining member has first and second surfaces toreceive the feet of a user.
 4. The exercise device of claim 2 furtherincluding first and second handles, said first and second handles beinglocated on opposite sides of said base.
 5. The exercise device of claim4 wherein said handles extend diagonally upwardly with respect to thebase.
 6. The exercise device of claim 5 wherein said first and secondhandles are releasably secured to said base.
 7. The exercise device ofclaim 2 wherein said vertically extending member extends diagonally withrespect to said base.
 8. The exercise device of claim 2 wherein saidbase comprises a substantially U-shaped member.
 9. The exercise deviceof claim 8 further including an exercise mat designed to fit betweenarms of said U-shaped base.